eBay has become one of the most popular marketplaces for buying and selling items online. It provides a platform for individuals to sell their products, whether they are new or used, to a large customer base. However, for beginner eBay sellers, there are some common mistakes that can hinder their success. In this article, we will discuss the top 10 mistakes that beginner eBay sellers should avoid.
1. Insufficient research on pricing: One common mistake beginner eBay sellers make is not conducting proper research on pricing. It is essential to determine the value of your item and set a competitive price. Failing to do so may result in overpricing or underpricing your products, which can deter potential buyers.
2. Poor quality product descriptions and images: Another mistake many new eBay sellers make is providing inadequate product descriptions and low-quality images. Buyers depend on these aspects to make informed decisions. Ensure that your descriptions are accurate and detailed, and include high-resolution images from different angles.
3. Neglecting shipping costs: Failing to properly calculate shipping costs can lead to unexpected expenses for the seller. Consider the size and weight of your item, along with the shipping destination, to avoid underestimating these costs and potentially losing profit.
4. Ignoring customer queries and feedback: Good communication is crucial for success on eBay. Ignoring customer queries or failing to respond promptly can result in negative feedback or even lost sales. Be attentive and responsive to maintain a positive reputation on the platform.
5. Setting unrealistic expectations: Some beginner eBay sellers have unrealistic expectations, hoping to earn huge profits overnight. It is important to be patient and realistic, as building a successful eBay business takes time and effort.
6. Inadequate packaging: Packaging plays a crucial role in ensuring that the item reaches the buyer in good condition. Neglecting proper packaging can lead to damaged goods and unsatisfied customers. Invest in appropriate packaging materials to protect your items during shipping.
7. Insufficient knowledge of eBay policies: Understanding eBay’s policies and guidelines is essential for ensuring a smooth selling experience. Beginner sellers should familiarize themselves with eBay’s rules to avoid unintentional violations that may result in penalties or account suspension.
8. Neglecting market trends: Staying updated with market trends and demands is crucial for success on eBay. Failing to adapt to changing preferences or not identifying new opportunities can hinder sales. Keep an eye on popular trends and adjust your inventory accordingly.
9. Inaccurate listings: Providing inaccurate listings is a common mistake made by beginner eBay sellers. Ensure that all product details, including sizes, colors, and conditions, are accurate and honest. Misleading or incorrect information can lead to negative feedback and unsatisfied buyers.
10. Inadequate marketing and promotion: Finally, beginner eBay sellers often neglect marketing and promoting their listings. Utilize eBay’s marketing tools, such as promoted listings or social media sharing, to increase your visibility and attract more potential buyers.
By avoiding these common mistakes, beginner eBay sellers can establish a strong foundation for their online business. With proper research, attention to detail, and a focus on customer satisfaction, they can increase their chances of success in the competitive world of eBay selling.
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I much appreciated your Informative video. I'm starting up my Ebay store next week with my goal of going live next Saturday. I have a question about what lens to use for close-up shots of products. So, use as many of the twenty-four total pictures allowed, but what about short videos? Should you start with your personal account or start a store front?
You'd make a great crime scene technician with the way you photograph the nutcrackers. That's exactly how victims are photographed.
Thank you.
I need a printer, should I just pick up the cheapest printer? Or any considerations?
Good information!
Do you feel it's worthwhile to have a storefront? I had one years ago when I only sold art, but I just list random items now and I'm wanting to really get busy. Thanks for your reply.
Brilliant presentation!
Can you elaborate on taxes, fees, and accounting
eBay Now FAILS to promote sellers listings.
I search a word, "Makita". I only get 160 results. Within my search parameters, there are more than 3,748 items.
Why are you withholding all but a miniscule percent?
I get this with every search now, I am unable to find available items I may want to purchase because they are never offered to me.
How can I trust eBay any more?
I reserve this question for greater public discussion and publication, along with any reply you (eBay) care to provide.
Disgusting.
Deplorable.
Annoying.
Corrupt.
Criminal.
Deceitful.
All these come to mind.
eBay Now FAILS to promote sellers listings.
I search a word, "Makita". I only get 160 results. Within my search parameters, there are more than 3,748 items.
Why are you withholding all but a miniscule percent?
I get this with every search now, I am unable to find available items I may want to purchase because they are never offered to me.
How can I trust eBay any more?
I reserve this question for greater public discussion and publication, along with any reply you (eBay) care to provide.
Her hair is gorgeous.
You guys are awesome!!’ Thanks for the info! Can you show how you pack your collectibles? First time seller and have some ceramic collectibles that would like to sell but concerned about shipping . I don’t want them to break. Thanks a bunch!!!!
The fear of shady buyers is what has put me off from ebay years ago. They did a fraudulent return and ebay forced me to accept it and got negative feedback as well. Now I learned, if you let one fraud return affect your finances, then you need to get that in order before you continue doing sales online. A few fraud returns shouldn't affect your sales if you are doing things right.
wow
Thank you for my daily dose of eBay education!
Can you keep a record of items and how long they take to sell, so you can collect data and analyse the data to see what the winning products are?
Once you have taken your photos and filled out listing but have not posted. Can you pack and weigh item, and then work out postage and add to listing, but then have a photo of item glued to the box with an individual sku written on box.
Hi folks; really glad I came across this video; thanks for the tips! really good content
I have like 40 listings up and only 2 sales but I’m worried to buy cards to flip bc I’m so worried about losing money any tips so ik it will sell?
What is the most cost effective way to ship rolled movie posters? Do any of the shipping resources give poster tubes for free? Like USPS Priority?
Pricing and key words are critical too!
QR codes…
Haha never buy on ebay to expensive
Sounds like you should be posting ads for your local market to ship their packages and get a notary cert. while your at it.. 10% less then the competition sound like a good business to me since your doing it anyways
You ever hear of photo shop?
For packing tape, I never use eBay's tape. I feel that its an easy target for porch pirates or people who work at the post office with sticky fingers.
I watch you all the time to learn. Thanks for your content.
What’s best way t come up with price ? Look see if there are others sorta and go less ? Thanks for info
LOL, this video is so good. I've probably made all of the above. The worst was shipping; it was not a lamp, but a big toy, I ended up losing all my profit to e-bay extra charges for shipping.
#11 USPS rarely looses a package and signature delivery is better than insurance. Items stolen off of a front porch isn't covered by insurance, but the buyer will still leave you negative feedback.
Appreciate the info and the honesty.. If all sellers had this motto the Ebay world would be a much better place.. Peace and love and happy picking
No such thing perfect conditiontion
This is a VERY GOOD video. Newbies really need this kind of help. I SO appreciate your sincerity and your kindness and your genuine eagerness to be helpful. Your good hearts are very visible, and appreciated. Thank you!!!
Great 10 ideas, thank you both.
One thing that I think has changed since you started is label printers. For $80 on Amazon I got a device that connects to my cell phone via bluetooth and prints peel and stick shipping labels 4×6 for less than 10 cents each (buying them in small quantities much cheaper in larger batches) and NEVER needs ink. Even at only a couple of sales a day, at the rate my ink jet was chewing through ink cartridges, this thing will pay for itself in less than 60 days. And it reduced the time and hassle factor of doing by about 10 minutes per label.
Very good points. The eBay scammers are there, having experienced a couple myself, but completely agree with not letting that fear stop you from having a great business!
An inventory system is worthless if you dont follow it!
Just this year I've had over $2000 worth of vintage computers with CRT monitors destroyed because the seller shipped the items in a box with inadequate packing.
The last one was a 15 in CRT monitor shipped in a box with a few wads of old bubble wrap and newspaper as packing!!!! Granted I've always gotten a full refund and most of the time the seller doesnt want it back. However its not like Im getting something free as the items are useless! Its a shame because these items are getting hard to come by!
Too many thing "lost" in the mail. Out shipping and out my item. Fk ebay
I’m new at this and this is a GREAT video. Thanks so much!
I'm new to this, I don't even have ebay yet but I'm 61 and on disability so trying to make some extra money so I just joined your Fb site hoping you can help me get started and I don't even know how to find comps.
Guys need help been a thrifter and reseller for 30 years everything is unorganized loads of collectibles in banana boxes loads of clear bags of clothes stacked in spare room in basement. I don’t know what to do not feeling good on old age pension how can I sell all this stuff to make some money can’t afford to lose money. HELP need someone to buy huge BULK BUY
Thought this was brilliant. This applies to everyone globally and I’m in the UK. I started my eBay as a hobby a few months ago so consider myself new to the idea. The only thing I would add is that I always post/ship using a ‘tracker’ service, most people are genuine and honest but you’ll always get the odd one whose not so I cover myself and my buyer. Good selling.
Great information. Love the sign Beanie Baby Blvd and the one below it.